Ten Hag explains Lindelof absence

The Sweden captain was withdrawn during our 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the start of the month, when Sergio Reguilon was brought on to replace him at the interval.

Victor then missed our three latest outings against Bournemouth, Bayern Munich and Liverpool, despite being pictured in training at the start of last week.

Speaking at Carrington earlier today, Ten Hag outlined why Lindelof has been out of action for a longer period than first expected.

"Victor Lindelof is not available," began the boss, when previewing the team news ahead of tomorrow's clash with the Hammers.

"He has done surgery, so he will be out for a couple of weeks.

"What happened? He had a problem and so [personal] is that but he has to do the surgery."

In what will serve as another blow for the Reds, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez also continue to be sidelined, with our growing injury list continuing to take its toll.

Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans partnered up in central defence on Merseyside last weekend, and may once again be asked to do so in the capital this Saturday.

Diogo Dalot was red-carded at Anfield, too, so there are further questions as to who will fill in at right-back.